The fort was constructed by the Order of St. John in 1552 to protect the harbors of Valletta.
During the 1565 Great Siege, the fort held out for 28 days against Ottoman forces before being completely destroyed.
The George Cross on display was awarded by King George VI to the people of Malta for their collective bravery during the 1940-1943 air raids.
The 'Faith' biplane is one of only three Gladiators that defended the island from the Italian Air Force in the early stages of WWII.
The site contains a specific wing dedicated to the British Royal Navy's Mediterranean fleet during wartime operations.
Fort St Elmo is a 16th-century star-shaped fortification located at the tip of the Sciberras Peninsula in Valletta. It serves as the home of the National War Museum, which houses military artifacts spanning from the Bronze Age to the modern era. The fort played a decisive role during the 1565 Great Siege of Malta and the Second World War. Exhibitions are organized chronologically across several halls within the restored bastions. Notable displays include the Gloster Sea Gladiator 'Faith' and the George Cross awarded to Malta in 1942. The site provides views of the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour from its exterior ramparts. Its architectural layout represents the evolution of military engineering over five centuries.
The upper ramparts overlooking the breakwater lighthouse and the open Mediterranean Sea.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the site involves navigating uneven stone surfaces and ramps.
Bring sun protection and water, as large portions of the fortification's exterior are exposed to direct sunlight.
Allocate time to walk the perimeter ramparts, which offer a different vantage point of the harbor than the interior halls.
Do not attempt to walk the entire perimeter of the Valletta peninsula from the city center without considering the lack of shade and significant incline.
Respectful behavior is expected; avoid touching artifacts or leaning on historical masonry.
